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Senter Cove Guy · 07-01-2009, 06:35 PM

Direct from Chris Martin, Senior Biologist, Conservation Department
Pictures by Chris Martin

On Tues 6/30/09, NH Audubon volunteers Hal Busch and Everett McLaughlin and I paddled out to Poplar Island in Moultonboro Bay to investigate the report of an active bald eagle nest that had "disappeared" from the nest tree. The nest was documented to have at least one eaglet as recently as 6/20. On 6/25, Charley Hugel first reported the nest "missing" from the tree, a fact reconfirmed by Donna Ulbricht on 6/26.

As we walked toward the nest tree, Everett McLaughlin was the first to spot the 8+ week old chick (see attached) sitting quietly on a large rock under the nest tree. When we approached the bird, it stood up, spread both wings for balance, and hopped/galloped away without hesitation. It was apparent to us that it had weathered its fall from the tree and the past 6+ days on the ground without much of a problem. We noted a number of consumed fish carcasses scattered on the ground around the site, further evidence that the chick was being fed below the nest by the adults. We also saw both adults nearby.

We decided not to pursue the chick further for fear of injuring it or displacing it from familiar territory. From a management perspective, what is MOST NEEDED for the next couple weeks is for people to remain OFF the island until the chick is able to flap climb up into a tree where it will be somewhat less vulnerable to predators. Water-based observation by volunteers through July should continue. If all goes well, this chick should be flying by the final week in July.

- Chris

Nice work Chris!!

07-01-2009, 06:35 PM	#16
Senter Cove Guy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 593 Thanks: 284 Thanked 427 Times in 139 Posts	Eaglet Update Direct from Chris Martin, Senior Biologist, Conservation Department Pictures by Chris Martin On Tues 6/30/09, NH Audubon volunteers Hal Busch and Everett McLaughlin and I paddled out to Poplar Island in Moultonboro Bay to investigate the report of an active bald eagle nest that had "disappeared" from the nest tree. The nest was documented to have at least one eaglet as recently as 6/20. On 6/25, Charley Hugel first reported the nest "missing" from the tree, a fact reconfirmed by Donna Ulbricht on 6/26. As we walked toward the nest tree, Everett McLaughlin was the first to spot the 8+ week old chick (see attached) sitting quietly on a large rock under the nest tree. When we approached the bird, it stood up, spread both wings for balance, and hopped/galloped away without hesitation. It was apparent to us that it had weathered its fall from the tree and the past 6+ days on the ground without much of a problem. We noted a number of consumed fish carcasses scattered on the ground around the site, further evidence that the chick was being fed below the nest by the adults. We also saw both adults nearby. We decided not to pursue the chick further for fear of injuring it or displacing it from familiar territory. From a management perspective, what is MOST NEEDED for the next couple weeks is for people to remain OFF the island until the chick is able to flap climb up into a tree where it will be somewhat less vulnerable to predators. Water-based observation by volunteers through July should continue. If all goes well, this chick should be flying by the final week in July. - Chris Nice work Chris!! Attached Images __________________ Lake Winni - The only place I want to be during the summer.